Explore Shantar Islands National Park

Shantar Islands National Park (Russian: Шантарские острова (национальный парк)) covers both the terrestrial and maritime surroundings of the Shantar Islands, a group of 15 currently uninhabited islands that lie close to the coast of Khabarovsk Krai, in the Sea of Okhotsk in the Russian Far East. Most of the islands are moderately mountainous, with rugged cliffs; the highest point is 720 m (2,375 ft). The area around the islands is an important area for marine mammals - including Steller Sea Lions, seals, and many species of cetacean (gray, bowhead, minke, beluga, and killer whale) - plus spawning salmon and very large colonies of birds. The park was formerly a state nature reserve (established in 1999), but re-established as a federal national park in 2013 with the stated purpose of protecting the habitat of vulnerable species (and in particular guarding against poaching), and supporting the scientific study and ecological tourism of the area. The Shantar Islands are located in the Tuguro-Chumikansky District of Khabarovsk Krai. The park is overseen by the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources.